Bob Lighthizer testified in front of the Senate Finance Committee on his nomination to be the next US Trade Representative Ambassador. Many members on the Committee brought agriculture forthright in their comments and questions.

As a previous deputy at USTR and Senate Finance staffer under former Chairman Bob Dole, Lighthizer maintained he understands the importance of exporting agriculture to the producers across America.

In regards to the Trans-Pacific Partnership he indicated that agriculture would have benefited from that multi-lateral trade deal and the need to "move forward and negotiate new agreements" as well as prioritize agriculture to gain "additional market access" in
new trade agreements. He also strongly advocated for the need to address trade barriers which prevent American producers from fair global trade.

While the North American Free Trade Agreement is being reviewed for a potential renegotiation process by the Administration, Lighthizer noted the delicate balance to not lose the great gains agriculture has maintained.